An LRT 1 passenger gave birth while aboard  a train in Manila Wednesday morning. Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) spokesman Hernando Cabrera said that 35-year-old Darlene Idio  gave birth to a boy as the train approached the Doroteo Jose station in Sta. Cruz at about 6:25 a.m.  “Mrs. Idio and her son are now in good condition,” Cabrera said after they were rushed to a nearby hospital.  Cabrera said Idio, who was accompanied by her husband, was on her way to the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila where she planned to give birth. He said  upon reaching Carriedo, Idio’s water broke, prompting her husband to seek help. Maria Cecilia Lopez, a nurse with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) who was riding the same coach as Idio helped deliver the baby.

Cabrera said the birth did not affect the LRT’s operations since the incident happened early in the morning.

Idio and her baby are not likely to get any special privileges such as free rides for life from the LRTA because it doesn’t want to encourage passengers to give birth in their coaches, Cabrera said.

Cabrera said at least 14 babies have been born aboard the LRT Line 1 since 2000, including on the platform of an LRT station and on a moving LRT coach.

RITCHIE A. HORARIO